UW Libraries - Borrow materials using Prospector

Prospector

» Quick link to Prospector

Prospector is a quick and easy way for UW students, faculty, and staff to borrow academic and leisure materials which are either not owned or not available at the UW Libraries. Prospector is provided by the UW Libraries in cooperation with more than twenty libraries throughout Colorado.

Prospector FAQ...

How do I Borrow from Prospector?

• Visit the Prospector website, and search by title, author, journal title, keyword, subject, or call number. A list of all items matching the search will appear.
• Click on the title you wish to borrow. A screen will appear with information about the item; click the Request this item link.
• This will take you to the Home Library Selection Screen. You must select “Wyoming” from the drop-down menu and hit Submit above information button
• You will then be taken to the Request Verification page. Enter your first and last name and your barcode (your “W-number”), and then hit the Submit button.

What Types of items can I borrow through Prospector?

UW faculty, staff, and students have access to books, journals, media items (such as DVDs, CDs, VHS, and records), microforms, and maps through Prospector.

How long does it take for UW to receive a Prospector request?

If a Prospector item is available when a request is placed, it is usually shipped to Coe Library within 2-4 days.

How do I know if my item is available?

To check the availability of a Prospector item, click on the link above the “Request this item” link, which indicates how many Prospector libraries own an item. A list of all the copies accessible through Prospector will appear along with their current availability.

Where do I pick up and return Prospector items?

Prospector items are picked up and returned to the Coe Library Circulation Desk.

How long do I have to pick up my Prospector item?

Once a Prospector item is received by Coe, you will receive an email notice indicating it is available. You have ten days to pick it up and check it out. If you do not pick it up within ten days, the item will be returned to its lending library.

How long do I get to keep a Prospector item?

In general, books check out for 21 days with 1 renewal period of 21 days, while media items and PASCAL* journals check out for 7 days with no renewals.

*PASCAL is an off site storage facility for journals which is utilized by many of the Prospector libraries in Colorado.

How do I renew my Prospector item?

Items which have a 3 week loan period can be renewed in person at the Coe, Geology, Library Annex and LRC Circulation Desks, over the phone, or electronically through My Account.

What if my Prospector item goes overdue?

If your Prospector item goes overdue, your library account will be blocked, and you will not be able to do any transactions until the item has been discharged from your account. Please visit the Circulation Policies website to read our overdue, fines, and fees policy.

What if I receive an error message and my request is not processed successfully?

There are three main reasons for a Prospector request to be rejected:

• If you try to order an item which is available at your library, your request will be refused. You can only request items that are unavailable at the UW Libraries.
• If you try to order an item that is “Local Use Only” or an item from the Center for Research Libraries, which the UW Libraries cannot access, your request will be refused.
• If you have any overdue items or fines and fees on your UW library account, your request will be refused.

Please contact the Coe Circulation Desk 766-3190 if you have further questions or difficulties when requesting Prospector items.

What if I want an item that is not available at UW or through Prospector?

If you cannot find an item at UW or through Prospector, please make a request through our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) department, either online or at the ILL office on the 2nd floor of Coe Library.

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